A new CEO is taking over JetBlue and she will be the first woman in the country to lead a major U.S. airline.
Company President & COO Joanna Geraghty is taking over. Current CEO Robin Hayes is stepping down next month due to health reasons and after consultations with his family.
“The extraordinary challenges and pressure of this job have taken their toll,” says Hayes. “On the advice of my doctor and after talking to my wife, it’s time I put more focus on my health and well-being.”
Hayes has led JetBlue since 2015. He’s worked to make America’s 6th largest airline (by revenue), through expanded partnerships and by setting in motion a plan to merge with Spirit Airlines.
The justice department shot down the existing North East partnership with American Airlines last year. The DOJ is also trying to tank the big merger that Hayes orchestrated to buy Spirit Airlines for nearly $4 billion.
Merger could reshape the airline industry
In 2022, JetBlue beat Frontier in a bidding war for Spirit. The Justice Dept, however, has their doubts if that’s good for the consumer. A trial was held last month in federal court to decide if the merger can move forward or not, but the judge has yet to issue his ruling.
If the deal is approved, JetBlue’s fleet will grow to 458 aircraft. The company will service more than 125 destinations in 30 countries. The merger would give them a stronger foothold in key markets like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, where they will retain a support center.
The Spirit branding would disappear. JetBlue HQ would remain in New York. The combined carrier would grow to become America’s 5th-largest airline behind only American, Delta, United and Southwest. Those airlines control 80% of the domestic market. Frontier would then take Spirit’s place as the nation’s biggest ultra low cost carrier.
Change of Command
Geraghty has been President and COO of New York-based JetBlue since 2018. She will take over as CEO on Feb 12.
Geraghty says she is “looking forward as we execute on our strategic initiatives, return to profitable growth, and generate sustainable value for shareholders.”
Current CEO’s parting thoughts
“I am deeply grateful for these many exciting years. I feel very lucky to have worked at an airline with a brand, culture and team that are simply unlike any other in the world,” added Hayes.
